How to Maximize Space by Storing Seasonal Clothes

Unless you have an incredibly large closet, you'll want to maximize the space in it by storing out of season clothes and shoes either on upper shelves, under a bed or in another location. When the time comes to trade your summer clothes for your winter clothes (and vice versa), here's how to make the switch as easy and space-effective as possible.

Getting Started

Removing out-of-season clothing and shoes will free up a ton of space in your closet. Before you get started, make sure you have plenty of room on your bed to sort through your clothes or use a garment rack. You'll also want to have a hamper handy for things to wash or dry clean, and a box for things to donate.

Step 1: Clean It Out & Sort Into Piles

Take all the out-of-season clothes and shoes out of your closet and sort them into three piles. One for things to keep. One for things to mend or alter. One for things to donate. Wash or dry-clean the keepers before storing them away for a year. This is the first step in protecting your clothing from fabric-damaging pests.

Step 2: Measure Your Space & Line Your Shelf

Use a tape measure to measure the width, depth and height of your shelf, or clearance under your bed. This will help you determine which containers are right for your space.

If you like, line your shelf with a patterned or scented shelf liner. Not only does it add a finished look to your space, but it will keep clothes smelling fresh and make it easier to clean the shelf.

Step 5: Under Bed Storage

The space under your bed is a perfect place to store seasonal clothes and shoes. This normally unused space can provide good protection for large amounts of clothing. If you are storing items under your bed, consider options with wheels to make moving them in and out as easy as possible. Need more space? Use bed risers to elevate your bed and give yourself more storage room.

Step 6: Storing Hanging Clothes

Don't have room to spare in another closet for suits, dresses and coats that need to remain hanging? Garment bags and covered free-standing closets give you options when you need to store clothing in an attic, garage or spare room. Garment racks can also quickly fold up and break down for times that you might not need them. They even come in rolling varieties for easy moving.

Step 7: Maintain The Shape

Finally, don't forget to use boot and handbag shapers to prevent creases from damaging these items during storage. And be sure to use the right type of hanger to protect and maintain the shape of hanging clothing like suits, coats and dresses.

Community

How-To Guide

Getting Started

Removing out-of-season clothing and shoes will free up a ton of space in your closet. Before you get started, make sure you have plenty of room on your bed to sort through your clothes or use a garment rack. You'll also want to have a hamper handy for things to wash or dry clean, and a box for things to donate.

Step 1: Clean It Out & Sort Into Piles

Take all the out-of-season clothes and shoes out of your closet and sort them into three piles. One for things to keep. One for things to mend or alter. One for things to donate. Wash or dry-clean the keepers before storing them away for a year. This is the first step in protecting your clothing from fabric-damaging pests.

Step 2: Measure Your Space & Line Your Shelf

Use a tape measure to measure the width, depth and height of your shelf, or clearance under your bed. This will help you determine which containers are right for your space.

If you like, line your shelf with a patterned or scented shelf liner. Not only does it add a finished look to your space, but it will keep clothes smelling fresh and make it easier to clean the shelf.

Step 5: Under Bed Storage

The space under your bed is a perfect place to store seasonal clothes and shoes. This normally unused space can provide good protection for large amounts of clothing. If you are storing items under your bed, consider options with wheels to make moving them in and out as easy as possible. Need more space? Use bed risers to elevate your bed and give yourself more storage room.

Step 6: Storing Hanging Clothes

Don't have room to spare in another closet for suits, dresses and coats that need to remain hanging? Garment bags and covered free-standing closets give you options when you need to store clothing in an attic, garage or spare room. Garment racks can also quickly fold up and break down for times that you might not need them. They even come in rolling varieties for easy moving.

Step 7: Maintain The Shape

Finally, don't forget to use boot and handbag shapers to prevent creases from damaging these items during storage. And be sure to use the right type of hanger to protect and maintain the shape of hanging clothing like suits, coats and dresses.